Central Christian Church Daily Prayers and Concerns

Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 23

2012-02-23T09:48:00.001-06:00

Responsive God,

Please move us out of our complacency. We stand before you stripped of all pretenses, O Lord. We feel vulnerable, yet today we him give ourselves to You. Mold us with Your gentle, yet firm touch, we pray. May we take our 2012 Lenten journey seriously, allowing it to be a time of confession, reflection, and spiritual growth. Please help us take up our crosses and follow Jesus to Jerusalem. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.

_______________________

We enjoyed our first Thursday Morning Lenten Prayer Breakfast today. Mary Johnson shared her journey of faith and touched our hearts. Plan to join us next Thursday when Roy Smith shares a part of his story.

Please pray for Marjorie Butler's two-month-old great-granddaughter who is having heart surgery.

Janet Lohmeyer has asked for prayers for her father, Bill Edwards, who is facing serious health issues.

Susan Hornberger, our Kids Central director, has asked for prayers for her mother-in-law, Joan Bohannan.

To hear today's Lenten devotion click here: Today’s_Lenten_Devotion_DAY_TWO

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

7 AM Lenten Prayer Breakfast in the fellowship hall

7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Small Prayer Chapel open for private prayers

10 AM Lifelong Learning in the multipurpose room

10:30 AM Disciples Senior Minister group meets in the parlor

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_10:1-12

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, February 22

2012-02-22T09:01:00.001-06:00

Generous God,

Today is Ash Wednesday, the day we began our Lenten journey. We stand before you, O God, in our sinfulness. Help us, we pray, to use these 40 days to rearrange our priorities and values. Many times we walk over our blessings, taking them for granted. We attempt to place you in a corner of our lives. We recite the words of faith: love, peace, reconciliation, and compassion, get the actions these words represent are often absent. May we use this season of lent to get right with You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

________________

Karen Stockwell is in St. Mary's hospital. Ken Slack was in Bass hospital. Jim Goodrich is at the Bass Pavilion. Please pray for Karen, Ken, and Jim.

Karen Moore was back at work yesterday, but she is still feeling the effects of walking pneumonia. Please pray for Karen Moore.

Vera French will have a PET scan next week. Also, she did not break her collar bone when she fell last week. She broke her upper arm. Please pray for Vera.

Twyla Provost is still in a lot of pain resulting from her cracked ribs and a broken arm. Please pray for Twyla.

Of course, we want to keep Randy Conrady in our prayers.

Be sure to pick up your Lenten Devotional Booklet at the Welcome Center. If you want to listen to today’s devotion, click on the following tab. Lenten_Devotion_Day_One

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

9 AM TOPS will meet in the multipurpose room

1 PM Emmaus Reunion Group-men will meet in room 109

5:15 PM WWNF begins. Today's meal will be grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup.

6 PM ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE in the Chapel

6:40 PM Regular WWNF activities continue

7:30 PM Chancel Bell Choir rehearses in the Bell Choir room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_9:42-50

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, February 21

2012-02-21T07:58:00.001-06:00

Loving and Gracious God,

Today is Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. While we in the Protestant church don't give much credence to the revelry before the time of penance, there are places where Carnaval and Mardi Gras are big celebrations. May our lives, O Lord, be ones of moderation, even as we celebrate. We have a great responsibility as Your witnesses in the world. We rejoice because of Your love and grace, family and friends, and a wonderful community of faith. As we prepare our hearts to enter the Lenten journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter, may we do so with intention, discipline, and openness to the guidance of Your Spirit. This is our prayer in Jesus name. AMEN.

___________

Jim Goodrich has been moved to the Bass Pavilion room 4220. It was reported to us, yesterday, that he has a staph infection in his lungs.

Bertie Krausse broke her foot.

Karen Moore is confined to her home with walking pneumonia.

Ken Slack is still in Bass Hospital.

Please lift up all of these members and friends in your prayers.

Valerie Driscoll, our pastoral nurse, will be at the church today. If you want a blood pressure check or preliminary medical council, then come to the church office.

There are Lenten Devotional booklets available at the Welcome Center.

We will have an Ash Wednesday service tomorrow evening at 6 PM in the chapel. Our first Thursday morning Lenten prayer breakfast will be at 7 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Mary Johnson will be the speaker. The small prayer Chapel by the offices will be open every day during Lent. Feel free to drop by for private prayers and devotions anytime between 7:30 AM until 6:30 PM Sunday through Friday and 9 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturdays

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8 AM Single Women's Breakfast at the Ramada Inn

10 AM Lifelong Learning in the multipurpose room

Noon Noon Bible Study in the library

5 PM Emmaus Reunion Group-women in the library

6 PM Beta Sigma Phi in room 109

6 PM Mission Trip Meeting in the multipurpose room

7 PM World Outreach Committee meeting in the multipurpose room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_9:30-41

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, February 20

2012-02-20T08:28:00.001-06:00

O Gracious God,

A new week lies before us and, with it, many opportunities for witness and service. Fill us, we pray, with compassionate hearts and empower us with willing hands. Help us to realize, Loving God, that faith can never be static, it must be dynamic and flowing. Faith leads us into a relationship with You, but always calls us to reach out to others. May our spiritual disciplines of prayer, study, and worship, always include the discipline of service to others. We thank you, O God, for the gift of Jesus Christ. May we be His faithful followers. AMEN.

___________________

Deloras Oringderff is having additional back surgery today. Please pray for Deloras.

Tywla Provost was very sick yesterday morning and went to the emergency room. Her heart is okay. The problem was related to her broken bones and pain. Please pray for Twyla.

Ken Slack and Jim Goodrich are hospitalized at Bass Hospital. Please lift them up in your prayers.

I just received word that Lynn Bartel’s mother died early last week. Please pray for the Bartel family.

The season of Lent begins Wednesday. We will have an Ash Wednesday service at 6 PM in the chapel. On Thursday, and every Thursday in Lent, we will have a Lenten Prayer Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at 7 AM. Each week a different member of our church will share part of their faith journey. Mary Johnson will speak this Thursday.

There are Lenten devotional booklets and calendars of Lenten activities available at the Welcome Center.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10 AM Staff Meeting in the conference room

Noon Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

5:30 PM Girl Scout Troup in the multipurpose room

6 PM Quilters’ Guild meets in the Fellowship Hall

6:30 PM Faith Leaders Class meets in room 109

7 PM Boy Scout Troup 2 meets in the Boy Scout room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_9:14-29

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, February 19

2012-02-19T05:57:00.001-06:00

God of Grace,

On this Lord’s Day we bring our prayers to you, thanking you for your love and forgiveness. We pray that we may experience the hope, today, that comes only from You. As we gather to bring our worship to You, we ask that your presence be palpable. As we gather for study, we ask that Your Holy Spirit guide us. As we gather for fellowship, we ask that the power of Your love consume us. May our actions honor You today. AMEN.

___________________________

Ken Slack was admitted to Bass Hospital. Jim Goodrich is still a patient there. Please pray for Ken and Jim.

The Bloodmobile will be in our southeast parking lot from 9 AM until 1 PM today. Please consider donating blood.

There will be a Kids Central fellowship luncheon today at 11:30 AM to celebrate Kids Central. Following the meal the Kids Central classrooms will be open for an open house. Please join us for the meal and the open house.

Lent begins this Wednesday (Ash Wednesday). There are Lenten Devotional Books and Lenten Calendars at the Welcome Center.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8 AM Chapel Service in the chapel

9 AM Blood drive begins

9 AM Sunday School for all ages

9 AM Disciples 101 class in the multipurpose room

10:15 AM Traditional Worship in the sanctuary

10:15 AM R&R Service in the chapel

11:30 AM Fellowship Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall

3:30 PM Chi Rho Fellowship in the youth room

5:30 PM Youth Snack Supper

5:30 PM CYF in the youth room

6 PM "Does God Exist?" In the Fellowship Hall

7 PM Discussion

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

Mark_9:1-13

Psalm_6

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, February 19

2012-02-18T08:05:00.001-06:00

Holy Presence,

We pray, O God, for understanding, because we live in such a complicated world. Every day we see glimmers of hope, yet every day we also see pain, grief, anger, and frustration. Our prayer is always that good may prevail in our lives and the lives of those around us. Sometimes, however, we are overwhelmed by the negativity. We often wonder why people can't get along, why they can't see the good in life, why they can’t be tolerant of differences, and why they can't be accepting. Please help us examine our own hearts, Loving Lord, so that we might be caring and hopeful, providing a positive influence for others in such a complicated world. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN

_________________

Randy Conrady was dismissed from Bass Hospital, yesterday, and is now back at Greenbriar. He continues to need our prayers.

Jim Goodrich is still at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Jim.

Tomorrow I'm beginning another Disciples 101 class at 9 AM in the multipurpose room. This class is for new members, prospective members, seekers, and anyone who might be interested. This is a two Sunday class.

Tomorrow there is a fellowship luncheon at 11:30 AM celebrating Kids Central. We are bringing potluck salads and desserts. Those with last names beginning with A-L are invited to bring salads. Those with last names beginning with M-Z provided to bring desserts. Join us for a time of good food and fellowship.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

5:30 PM Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_32:11-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, February 17

2012-02-17T06:49:00.001-06:00

Comforting God,

We are aware, O Lord, of the heartbeat of faith with its "come" and "go" rhythm. You draw us unto Yourself to bring us peace, hope, and joy. Then you send us forth as your agents in the world. We are drawn into the living Body of Christ, the church, to be nurtured and loved. Then we are sent forth to share the Good News of the gospel. Your heart calls us to worship You with our confessions, our praise, and our thanksgiving. Then we are sent into an indifferent world, witnessing, inviting, and seeking to share our experience of worship with others. Please sustain us with Your Spirit, empower us with Your love, and redeem us with Your grace. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN

__________________

Please continue to pray for Jim Goodrich and Randy Conrady.

Twyla Provost fell in her apartment last Sunday and broke her arm and some ribs. Please pray for her as she recovers.

Vera French fell yesterday evening and broke her collar bone. Please pray for Vera.

I am teaching another Disciples 101 class, this Sunday and next, in the multipurpose room at 9 AM. The class is for prospective members, new members, seekers, and any interested person. All are welcome.

Kids Central is providing a luncheon for the church this Sunday at 11:30 AM. All are invited. The meat and drinks are provided. Families with the last name A-L should bring a salad and families with the last name M-Z should bring a dessert to share. We will have the opportunity to hear about the new Kids Central summer program. There will also be an Open House immediately after the luncheon.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

There are no special activities at the church today.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_32:1-8

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 16

2012-02-16T08:45:00.001-06:00

God Who Brings Clarity,

There are times in life, Dear Lord, when we are overwhelmed by confusion and darkness. The actions of family and friends trouble us. We see strife, sometimes even in the church, and we are distressed. We pray for clarity so that we may be able to respond to the confusion and darkness with compassion, sensitivity, and strong Christian convictions. May your love bring light to dark places. May those who are struggling regain their hope and find peace. May we assist and encourage them. We pray for strength, in all circumstances, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

___________

We thought Jim Goodrich had been dismissed from the hospital. Unfortunately, we were looking in the wrong place. Jim is a patient at Bass. Please continue to pray for Jim and Peggy.

Randy Conrady will go back to the nursing home, either today or tomorrow. He needs our prayers.

Gregg and Lindsay Garrett are the proud parents of a boy, GRANT BRADLEY GARRETT, who arrived Friday, 2-3-12, at 1:49 p.m.; Grant weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz., and was 20 ¾ inches long. He has blonde hair and blue eyes, and looks like his proud daddy. Sherry Garrett is the proud grandmother. You may remember Greg and Lindsay were two of the adults we baptized before Christmas.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10 AM Lifelong Learning in the multipurpose room

2 PM Worship Service at the Commons

4 PM Cancer Support Group in the library

6:30 PM Evangelism Committee meets in the conference room

6:30 PM Decorating Committee meets in the parlor

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_30:19-26

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, February 15

2012-02-15T06:05:00.001-06:00

Generous God,

We love because You first loved us, and we give You thanks. Your love sustains us. Our ability to love others brings a depth and beauty to our relationships that is unparalleled. Life without love is empty and meaningless. Please forgive us when we take Your love, and the love of others, for granted. The miracle of love provides its own blessings. May we continue to be blessed as we reach out to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

___________

Jim Goodrich is hospitalized at St. Mary's. Please pray for Jim and Peggy.

Liz Beaty had surgery yesterday morning at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. She is recovering at her father's home in Moore. Now she and Kent are awaiting the pathology results. Please continue to pray for Liz.

The Cabinet will meet this evening at 7:30 PM in room 109. Part of our time will be used as a "listening conference" where we will record statements and questions prompted by the Worship Committee’s Revive & Renew document presented at the last board meeting. This will be the first of many opportunities for church leaders and members to reflect and respond to the document.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

9 AM TOPS in the multipurpose room

10 AM Inactive Members Committee in the conference room

Noon Single Men's Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall

1 PM Emmaus Reunion Group-men in room 109

5:15 PM WWNF activities begin

7:30 PM Cabinet Meeting in room 109

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_29:13-24

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, February 14

2012-02-14T06:31:00.001-06:00

O God.

So many of us, O Lord, live life as if it were in a black and white movie. The beam of your grace goes through the prism that is Jesus and is refracted into all the colors of the rainbow. As we accept him into our hearts, Loving God, may we experience variety and brilliance in our new wide screen, Technicolor lives of faith. Paint us, Divine Creator, with your pallet so that our lives might reflect Your love. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN

_____________________

Kent Beaty called me yesterday afternoon to say that the first reports on Liz’s recurring cancer were too optimistic. She is having surgery this morning at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City to remove the cancerous lymph glands under her arm. But there are smaller ones in her neck that cannot be operated on. It will take a week to receive the pathology report after which she will undergo radiation and chemotherapy. She did not receive an encouraging prognosis. Please offer special prayers for Liz and Kent.

The Pastor’s Cabinet meets tomorrow evening at 7:30 PM in the parlor. All board officers, committee chairs, and fellowship group leaders are encouraged to attend.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

All Day School Elections in the Fellowship Hall

10 AM Lifelong Learning in the multipurpose room

Noon Noon Bible Study the library

3:15 PM Service of Worship at Greenbrier

5 PM Emmaus Reunion Group-Women in the library

6:30 PM CWF Agape Group at a private residence

7 PM Quilt Central in the Quilt Central room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_29:13-24

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, February 13

2012-02-13T08:13:00.001-06:00

God of All Creation,

The fresh snow has given us a reason to stay inside and allow our students and school teachers to sleep late. It brings a brightness and freshness to your creation, and we give You thanks. It also brings to our thoughts those who have inadequate shelter and inadequate clothing. May our eyes be opened this day, Dear God, to the needs of others around us. Fortunately, for many, the snow and cold will not last long, but the needs persist. May we be blessed as we share. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

________

The Youth Chili Cook-off and Desert Auction, held yesterday evening, was a great success. The total dollars raised will be announced in the Church Visitor. Congratulations to Ken Frech for providing the winning chili.

Since the Enid Public Schools are closed today, so is Kids Central.

The church offices will be open.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10 AM Staff Meeting in the conference room

Noon Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

5:30 PM Girl Scout Troop in the multipurpose room

6 PM Adult Bible Study Class Party at Chen Garden in the mall

6:30 PM Faith Leadership Class in room 109

7 PM Boy Scout Troop 2 in the Boy Scout Room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_28:23-29

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, February 12

2012-02-12T06:07:00.001-06:00

Loving God,

We offer our prayers to you each day as an expression of our trust and faithfulness. Through our prayers we seek to align ourselves with the rhythm of Your heart. Please forgive us, Gracious God, when we reduce these offerings to lists of needs and wants. Even so, we know that You work in our lives. The best evidence of that reality is seen as we look back. We know, then, that You have been walking with us and we give You thanks. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

_______________

Please continue to pray for Randy Conrady. He is currently our only member who is hospitalized.

Congratulations to Jim and Janet Cox on the birth of their twin great-granddaughter's, Caitlyn Marie Smith and Chloe Anne Smith, who were born on Friday. Jim and Janet spent yesterday in Tulsa with these new members of their family.

Today, at 5:15 PM, the congregation is invited to come to the Fellowship Hall for a Chili Cookoff and Dessert Auction hosted by our youth. They will also share some of their talent with the audience. The "Does God Exist?" Class is encouraged to attend. They will move upstairs to the multipurpose room at 6 PM and then return for the conclusion of the youth event. All are welcome.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8 AM Chapel Service in the chapel

9 AM Sunday School for all ages

10:15 AM Revive and Renew Service in the chapel. Kayte Anton is preaching.

10:15 AM Sanctuary Service in the sanctuary

11:30 AM Centour Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall

5:15 PM Chili Cookoff, Desert Auction, and Youth Talent Show in the Fellowship Hall

6 PM "Does God Exist ?" in the multipurpose room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

Isaiah_26:16-19

Psalm_71:1-21

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, February 11

2012-02-11T08:43:00.001-06:00

Forgiving God,

May this weekend the bring us opportunities for rest, reflection, sharing, and worship. Help us, Loving God, to praise you with our words and our deeds. There is someone in our life that needs encouragement. There is someone in our life that needs forgiveness. There is someone in our life that needs to experience love. Point them out to us, Lord, and give us the strength to act. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

______________

The Civitan Valentine Dance was going quite well when I walked through yesterday evening. A special thanks to all those who make this event a reality.

May we continue to pray for our sick, our hospitalized, our lonely, and our homebound. I received another prayer request yesterday for prayers for a confidential family concern. Please lift up your prayers for this unnamed family.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

A.M. Camp Directors Training continues at Central Christian Camp near Guthrie

5:30 PM Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_8:31-38

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, February 10

2012-02-10T08:31:00.001-06:00

Eternal Guide,

We begin each new day, O Lord, desiring to experience happiness, a sense of accomplishment, and peace. There are days when these things do happen. Unfortunately, there are days when they do not. Today, Dear God, may our focus be on benefiting the lives of others. May our speech, our demeanor, and our receptivity bear witness to your love for all. A kind word and a supporting gesture may make all the difference in someone else's day. Forgive us, we pray, when our focus is only on ourselves. Help us to remember that we truly receive only that which we give away. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

______________

Please continue to pray for Randy Conrady who is still hospitalized at Bass Hospital.

Mary Ruth Cooper is now back in her home. Neta Smith is recovering in her home. Leslie Ballew is recovering at home from her back surgery. May God's healing presence sustain them.

Please pray for Lois Tilley’s mother, who has been diagnosed with leukemia and Patty Melott’s sister, Mary Melrose, who is struggling with bone cancer.

We still need bottles of pop and cookies for the Valentine Dance tonight. You can leave your donations in the kitchen any time today.

The youth are sponsoring a Chili Cook-off Sunday at 5:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall. It isn't too late to enter your chili. Contact the church office to put your name on the list. There will also be a desert auction and a youth talent show. Fun will be had by all.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

PM Camp Directors’ Training at Central Christian Camp near Guthrie.

6:30 PM CACS and Civitan Valentine Dance in the Fellowship Hall

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_8:22-30

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 9

2012-02-09T08:41:00.000-06:00

Empowering God,

We open ourselves to you this day, O Lord, seeking to align our hearts with your heart. The journey of faith is not easy. It requires commitment and discipline. It is so easy for us to think of You when it is convenient and our busy schedule allows it. Please forgive us, Loving God. May our faithfulness be expressed, not as a matter of utility, but of priority and devotion. Empower us through the presence of your Spirit, O God, to be disciplined in our prayer, our study, and our service to others. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

_________

Please pray for Jim and Peggy Goodrich. Peggy fell during the holidays and cracked her pelvis. Jim fell and twisted his knee. They are staying home until they have recuperated.

Please pray for Betty Maxwell. She has a bone spur on her foot that is causing great difficulty.

Please pray for our church. May we be empowered to welcome the Holy Spirit in our midst and to invite others to share the profound experiences of faith.

Tomorrow evening (Friday) our Christian Action and Community Service Committee and the Civitan Club will be hosting a Valentine Dance for the developmentally disabled. They are in need of more 2 liter bottles of pop and more cookies. If you are able, please bring some of these items to the church and placed them in the kitchen.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

10 AM Northwest Area Minister’s Meeting at Willow Road Christian Church

5 PM Kids Central Board Meeting in the conference room

6 PM Sooners Class Valentine Party in the Fellowship Hall

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Mark_8:14-21

Grace and peace.

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, February 8

2012-02-08T07:33:00.001-06:00

Companion of the Lonely,

Today, O God, we pray your Spirit will empower us to open our eyes and see the needs of those around us. May we seek to do random acts of kindness and caring. We are given the mandate to share our faith. May we recognize an opportunity to do so today with gentleness, compassion, and love. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN

__________

Liz Beaty received encouraging news yesterday. Her cancer is localized in a few lymph nodes under her arm. These will be removed surgically. If the pathology report indicate it is the same cancer she had before, then she will likely not have to do chemotherapy. Please continue to lift Liz up in your prayers.

Harry Hammonds is in Pauls Valley babysitting his granddaughter. Harry informs us that, yesterday, when preparing to board a flight to Chicago, Amanda, Harry's daughter-in-law, received word that her great uncle, Benny, was killed an automobile accident. Please pray for Benny’s family.

We received word yesterday that Frank Bunch’s sister passed away. Please pray for her family.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

9 AM TOPS meets in the multipurpose room

9:45 AM CWF Naomi group meets in room 109

10 AM CWF Ruth/Sarah groups meet

1 PM Emmaus Reunion Group-men meet in room 109

1:30 PM CWF Esther/Lydia group meets in the parlor.

5:15 PM WWNF meal (turkey and dressing).

5:15 PM Hospital Callers meet in the conference room

5:15 PM Membership Committee meets in the library.

6 PM WWNF regular activities begin

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_8:11-13

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, February 7

2012-02-07T07:56:00.001-06:00

God of Wonders,

We thank you, O Lord, for the life-giving rain we have received. It cleansed the air and nourished the soil. We see the continuing cycles of life all around us as we move from fall to winter to spring to summer. While this winter has been mild, although it's not concluded, we do see signs of an approaching spring. You bless us with such great variety, Loving God, and we give thanks. We know that in the midst of the cold, dark winter night, there is a spring that waits to be. We know that in the midst of the hot, scorching heat of the noon day summer sun, there is a cool fall just ahead. You are the God of all seasons. Please continue to bless us on our journey. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________________

Leslie Ballew had back surgery last week and is recovering at home. Please pray for Leslie.

Patty Melot has requested prayers for her sister, Mary Melrose, who is in the last stages of her life as a result of bone cancer. Please pray for Mary and her family.

Please continue to pray for Liz Beaty, John Worden, Ken Slack, Sandy Harris, Randy Conrady, and Neta Smith.

Valerie Driscoll has volunteered to serve as a Pastoral Nurse. She will be at the church on Tuesdays to do blood pressure checks and answer any medication or medical questions. She begins today and will be available from 9 AM until 4 PM. Feel free to drop by anytime.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

Noon Noon Bible Study in the library .

5 PM Caregivers meet at Western Sizzlin.

5 PM Emmaus Reunion Group – Women in the library.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_8:1-10

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, February 6

2012-02-06T08:19:00.001-06:00

God of Grace,

Celtic spirituality talks about the “thin places”, those moments and places in life where there is little that separates the present from Your eternity, where there is only a thin veil between this world and Your heaven. May we find a “thin place” today, O Lord. Our lives are full of opportunities to see glimpses of You, but, often, we hurry by. Please forgive us, Loving God. May our pace be slowed, our eyes open, and our hearts receptive to Your eternal presence. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____________________

Ken Slack was dismissed from St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City and is now in Assisted Living at The Commons. He is still dealing with major health issues.

Please pray for Ken, and also for Neta Smith and Randy Conrady.

We had nine church members attend the Leadership Training School in Oklahoma City on Saturday. It was a good event.

Yesterday was a good day at Central Christian Church as we celebrated Boy Scout Sunday and the Souper Bowl of Caring. The food for Horn of Plenty will not be picked up until Thursday. If you would like to bring more food items, you can do so until Wednesday evening.

The audible portion of my sermons in the "Talking Faith" series can be listened to on our church website www.centralenid.org. Our 10:15 AM Traditional Service can be viewed, one week later, on Pegasys channel 11 at 4:30 PM on Wednesdays and 2:30 PM on Sundays.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

10 AM Staff Meeting in the conference room.

Noon Noon Prayer Service in the chapel.

5:30 PM Girl Scouts in the multipurpose room.

6 PM Girl Scouts (different group) in the education building.

6 PM Guild Dinner in the Fellowship Hall.

6:30 PM Faith Leader Training in room 109

7 PM Boy Scout Troop 2 in the Boy Scout Room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_7:31-37

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, February 5

2012-02-05T06:20:00.001-06:00

O Sacred Heart,

You call to us and beckon us to be in relationship with you. Our free will allows us to choose. Often we respond and turn into Your embrace. There are times, however, when we turn away from you, sometimes intentionally, many times because another path is easier. Please forgive us, loving God. May we respond to your love with decisive actions. May we respond to your grace with positive intentions. As we feel the embrace of your Everlasting Arms, may we seek to live lovingly in relation to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

________

Please pray for Ken Slack, Liz Beaty and all those who are sick.

Please pray for Lois Tilley’s mother who was recently diagnosed with a form of leukemia.

Today is Boy Scout Sunday. It is also "Souper Bowl of Caring" Sunday.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

8 AM Chapel Service in the Chapel.

9 AM Sunday School for all ages.

10:15 AM Traditional Worship in the sanctuary.

10:15 AM Revive and Renew Service in the Chapel.

11:30 AM Youth leave for Mission Blitz.

3:30 PM Kids Time teachers’ meeting

"DOES GOD EXIST?" CLASS WILL NOT MEET TODAY.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK.

Mark_7:24-30

Psalm_119:89-204

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, February 4

2012-02-04T06:32:00.001-06:00

One Whom We Worship,

We have dreams, plans, and goals for our lives. Usually they relate to family, profession, and possessions. Sometimes we achieve them. Sometimes we fail. Often times we adjust them. Seldom, O Lord, do they relate to our spiritual life, our church, and our expression of faithfulness. Please forgive us, loving God. So much of life is superficial. May we ponder our relationship with you and may our dreams, plans, and goals included deepening our spirituality, our love for You, and our service to others in Christ name. This we pray through Jesus who became the Christ. AMEN.

__________

Please continue to pray for Randy Conrady, Ken Slack, Liz Beaty, Neta Smith, Sandy Harris, and the family of Letha McGuire.

Tomorrow is Boy Scout Sunday. Don Johnson is preaching in the 8 AM Chapel Service and the 10:15 AM Sanctuary Service. I am continuing my sermon series on "Talking Faith" at the Revive and Renew Service at 10:15 AM in the chapel. The Boy Scouts will participate in both 10:15 AM services.

Tomorrow is also the Souper Bowl of Caring. How you them designated the Horn of Plenty as the recipient of their efforts against hunger. Please bring nonperishable food items and place them on the "food tree" behind the Welcome Center in the loggia. The youth will also leave immediately after church to go to the Salvation Army to help serve the noon meal there.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8:30 AM Leadership Training School in Oklahoma City. The Van leaves at 7:15 AM.

PM Regional Youth Council meeting in Oklahoma City.

5:30 PM Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Isaiah_25:1-9

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, February 3

2012-02-03T07:44:00.001-06:00

O Creator of Beauty,

Today, O Lord, we will seek to see Your hand at work all around us. Today, Beneficent God, we will find time to pause and appreciate creation. Today, Gregarious God, we will be sensitive to your presence in the depth and breadth of our relationships. Please forgive us when we take life for granted. Please embrace us, even when we feel we don't have time for You. May Your spirit empower us to be receptive and appreciative of your Eternal Presence with us. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN

_____________

Letha McGuire’s funeral is this morning at 10 AM in the sanctuary. Please continue to pray for her family.

Ken Slack is in St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City. Ken is in severe pain and they have been unable to determine the cause. Jim and Denise are staying with him. Please lift up Ken in your prayers.

Yesterday, Liz Beaty was told her cancer had returned. Please pray for Liz and Kent as they begin this new part of their journey.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kristen Tefft for being chosen as Glenwood Elementary School’s nominee for Enid Public Schools ‘s Teacher of the Year.

Remember the Souper Bowl of Caring this Sunday. The youth are collecting food items for Horn of Plenty.

A few of us are going to Oklahoma City tomorrow for the Leadership Training School at First Christian Church. The bus will leave at 7:15 AM.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

10 AM Funeral service for Letha McGuire in the sanctuary

Noon Funeral Luncheon for the McGuire family in the Fellowship Hall

6:30 PM Civitan Clergy Appreciation Dinner in the Fellowship Hall

6:30 PM Young Adult Bible Study at the home of Kayte and Luke Anton

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Isaiah_12:1-6

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 2

2012-02-02T08:22:00.001-06:00

O Divine Presence,

We allow so many blocks in our lives, Loving God, that it is easy to feel separated from You. Our schedules, our priorities, our debts, and our desires stand between us and You. We can even be disengaged by the busyness and pettiness of the church. Please forgive us, we pray. May your spirit help us strip away all the distractions. May we embrace the purity of your love and the wonder of your grace, allowing our lives to be faithfully ordered, spiritually disciplined, and completely devoted to You. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____________

Randy Conrady is not doing well at all. Please continue to pray for Randy.

Letha McGuire’s funeral will be tomorrow at 10 AM in the sanctuary. May our prayers support her family.

John Worden is suffering from Bell’s Palsy. Please pray for John.

We have three unannounced prayer requests. God knows the concerns. Please offer prayers for these families.

So far we have seven people scheduled to attend the Leadership Training School on Friday. If you intend to join us, please call Kandy today.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

6 PM Publicity Committee meets in the conference room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Isaiah_11:1-10

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, February 1

2012-02-01T07:23:00.001-06:00

O God,

There is a secret place within us where we keep our private joys and personal fears. It is a place that is shielded from others because this is where we are most vulnerable. Sometimes, O Lord, we even try to hide this place from you. Please forgive us. You are God and You know us completely. Part of our fear, loving God, is that if we are truly known, we would be found to be an acceptable. Help us to realize that your love prevails. We cannot hide from you. The Spirit of Christ overcomes all our fears and we give You thanks. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

_____________________

Randy Conrady was admitted to Bass Hospital over the weekend. Gerry Daniels was dismissed. Please continue to pray for Randy and Gerry.

The funeral for Letha McGuire will be at 10 AM on Friday at the church. Please continue to pray for her family.

Carolyn and I had a long, but safe and successful trip to Dallas yesterday. “Thank you” to all who have given us gift cards for meals and travel assistance. Your generosity is overwhelming.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

9 AM TOPS will meet in the multipurpose room.

9:30 AM CWF lesson leaders will meet in the conference room.

10:30 AM CWF Executive Board meets in room 109

Noon CWF Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. The program will be provided by Kelly Coker from the Phillips University Legacy Foundation.

1 PM Men's Emmaus Reunion Group meets in room 109

5:15 PM WWNF Meal

6:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal in the choir room.

6:30 PM Children's and youth activities

6:30 PM Bible Study on the Seven Last Words in the Fellowship Hall.

6:30 PM " How To” program on yoga for adults in the multipurpose room.

7:30 PM R & R Planning Meeting in the library.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Isaiah_10:21-19

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 31

2012-01-31T05:32:00.001-06:00

O Lord our Lord,

Today, O God, we pray for discipline. There are so many things we want to do and successful accomplishment comes only when we are organized. The same is true of our spiritual life. Please forgive us, O Lord, when we approach our relationship with you in a casual manner. May our prayers, devotions, acts of kindness, worship, and Scripture reading enhance our relationship with you. May we be spiritually disciplined. We offer this prayer Jesus’ name. AMEN.

___________

Letha McGuire died yesterday afternoon. Her funeral will likely be on Friday. Please pray for her family.

The funeral for Ira McAnally, Tim’s father, is today at two o'clock near Fort Cobb. Please also pray for his family.

Mary Beach’s cousin, Sandy Harris, is in the Bass Pavilion. She is paralyzed.

Danny Milacek, a friend of many of our members, has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Polly Maxwell has asked for prayers for her mother, Beth Masters, who is having heart issues. She has also asked for prayers for the family of her aunt, Venita Scheller, who recently passed away.

Bill Wallace, a family friend of Sally Wheeler and well-known author of children's books, died yesterday.

Byron Johnson, Max’s brother, recently returned from a mission trip in Central America. He is ill. They are seeking to diagnose his problems. He may have had a slight stroke or he contracted something on the mission trip.

Please pray for all of these families mentioned.

We celebrate with Dave and Sue Chael. Today is their 25th wedding anniversary. CONGRATULATIONS!

Please pray for Carolyn and me as we travel to Dallas today.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

Noon Noon Bible Study in the library

5 PM Emmaus Women’s Reunion Group in the library

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Isaiah_10:1-4

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 30

2012-01-30T08:54:00.001-06:00

O Lord,

It is not easy for us to trust. Certain life circumstances have taught us to be leery of the intentions of others. There have been times when our trust has been violated. Forgive us, Loving God, when we fail to trust you. It is difficult for us to surrender our lives into your care, even though trusting and surrender are at the core of faith. May our disappointment in trusting those around us not impact our relationship with you. You are God. We have faith. May your spirit sustain us as we trust. May your love flow through us, even toward those who have hurt us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

____________________

Our prayers go out to the family of Ira McAnally, Tim’s father, who died yesterday morning. Devon sent the following e-mail: “Ira will be in state at Smith Funeral Home in Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. The funeral is planned for Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. at Highland United Methodist Church which is 3 miles west and 1 mile south of Albert/Oney, Oklahoma. It's a small rural church not far from Ft. Cobb Lake. The graveside will be at Eakley cemetery.”

Polly Maxwell has asked for prayers for her mother, Beth, and for the family of her deceased aunt.

Letha McGuire is under hospice care and is declining.

Bert Sims was taken to the Emergency Room yesterday morning because he was retaining a lot of fluid. They gave him some new medication and he was released.

Please pray for all of these whose names we have mentioned and for those concerns that are unspoken.

Don't forget to sign up for the Leader Training School next Saturday in Oklahoma City. Call Kandy to reserve your spot on the bus.

Carolyn and I will be making another one of our trips to Dallas tomorrow. We covet your prayers.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10 AM Staff Meeting in the Conference Room

Noon Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

5:30 PM Christian Action and Community Service Committee meets in the library

5:30 PM Girl Scout Troop meets in the multipurpose room

6:30 PM Faith Leader Group meets in Room 109

7 PM Boy Scout Troop 2 meets in the Boy Scout Room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_9:1-7

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 29

2012-01-29T06:17:00.001-06:00

Amazing God,

Fill us with your love and show us how to live, O Lord. We miss the mark in so many ways and we seek your forgiveness. May the model of Jesus sustain and encourage us. May the love of Christ abound in our midst as we gather to bring our worship to you today. May your spirit embolden us to share our faith with others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN

________

Please pray for Georgia Ball, Neta Smith, and Gerry Daniels who are all hospitalized.

Today is our fifth Sunday Convergence Serve rice at 10:15 AM in the sanctuary. The Revive and Renew Service and the Sanctuary Service joined together in a blended service.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

8 AM Chapel Service

9 AM Sunday School

10:15 AM Convergence Service

3 PM Youth return from Midwinter Retreat

NO REGULAR YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

6 PM "Does God Exist?” in the Fellowship Hall

7 PM Discussion

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY and PSALM FOR THE WEEK

(Correct Scripture for Yesterday) Mark_7:14-23

Isaiah_6:1-8

Psalm_89:1-18

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, January 28

2012-01-28T08:07:00.001-06:00

Beneficent God,

Sometimes, O Lord, the darkness seems to be all around us. Life has beaten us down too many times, and we have a hard time getting back up. We ask, "Where are you, God?" Please forgive us when we are only aware of your presence in the good times. May we hear the words of Paul when he said, "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,³⁹nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39) We give you thanks in Jesus’ name. AMEN

____________

Please continue to pray for our sick, homebound, hospitalized, and those recovering at home.

Please pray for John Wheeler, Amanda Phillips, and all our youth who are at the Mid-Winter Retreat.

Tomorrow the Revive and Renew and Sanctuary services will combine into one Convergence Service at 10:15 AM in the sanctuary. We do this every fifth Sunday.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

5:30 PM Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Mark_7:1-13

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, January 27

2012-01-27T09:41:00.001-06:00

Loving God,

How do we express our love for you in ways that others can see? Scripture warns against being like the hypocrites who publicly proclaim their fasting or who stand on the street corners offering loud and long prayers. Indeed, O Lord, faith is a private matter, but it is also something we are called to share. Forgive us, we pray, when others cannot see Christ living in us. Forgive us, loving God, when we say we love you but don't love our neighbor. May our Christian witness be seen as we share love and faith with those around us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

_____________

Good news. Bert Sims is in his home. They stopped one of his medications and he is clear minded. His daughters are caring for him.

Please pray for Bert and those still hospitalized.

John Wheeler is directing a Mid Winter Retreat for about 70 youth at Central Christian camp this weekend. A number of our youth will be present. May God's Spirit be experienced at this event.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

PM Chi Rho and CYF Mid Winter Retreat at Guthrie

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Mark_7:1-13

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 26

2012-01-26T08:30:00.001-06:00

God Who Meets us in Surprising Places,

O God, we are each a part of a clan or tribe, which typically consists of our circle of family and friends. We love each other within our clan and we care for each other. We have shared rules of behavior, but every now and then, a stranger intrudes and we are uncomfortable. The stranger's actions are not like ours. The stranger may look differently, speak differently, even smell differently. Please forgive us, O Lord, for our need for self protection and inward focus. May we remember the hospitality Sarai and Abram extended to the strangers near the oaks of Mamre, those who are actually your messengers. May we remember the stranger who walked with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. He was the risen Lord. They asked him to eat with them and it was in the breaking of the bread that he was recognized. May we open our eyes, put down our defenses, and look for you in surprising places. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN

______________

Gerry Daniels is in Bass Hospital. Bert Sams, Georgia Ball, and Neta Smith are in St. Mary's Hospital. Please pray for our hospitalized.

Letha McGuire is now under hospice care. Please pray for Letha.

Marie Herrian died earlier this week. She is Marjorie Butler's sister. Please pray for Marie’s family.

Doloras Oringderff celebrated her 91st birthday yesterday in her home with her family. Please lift up prayers of celebration for Deloras.

Kayte Anton sent the following e-mail:

“ Would appreciate being lifted in prayer Thursday as I'm speaking at the Conference on Family Violence in Plano, Texas! (feel free to share - I need all the help I can get- HA!)”

In a video on her blog, General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins talks about her hopes for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2012. The video presentation is based on her letter to the church, found at www.disciples.org. Watch the video on her blog at: http://bit.ly/wQximx

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

There are no special activities at the church.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Mark_6:53-56

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, January 25

2012-01-25T08:47:00.001-06:00

O Design Presence,

Our journey brings us joy, yet sometimes we are perplexed by life's contradictions. We believe, O Lord, that you are good and that you love us. In those moments our hearts are then filled with joy, and we give you thanks. We are troubled, however, when we see the pain and suffering of good people. Such realizations may cause us to question your goodness. Please forgive us, O God. May we understand that you are present, perhaps even more present, to us, when we deal with the difficulties inherent in the human condition. Embrace us, we pray, with your everlasting arms. Please bring us comfort and solace when life throws us a curveball. May we celebrate your love in all circumstances. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________________

We continue to pray for all of our sick, hospitalized, and those recovering at home. Specifically, we pray for Bert Sims, Neta Smith, June Frei, Randy Conrady, and Jean Lisi (Frank Bunch’s sister).

Please offer special prayers for Letha McGuire , who was recently placed on hospice care.

If you are interested in a transcribed copy of last Sunday's “Talking Faith: What Does God Do?” Sermon. It is available at the Welcome Center.

If you are interested in the actions of our Church Board, then go to the literature rack in the loggia next to the kitchen door. There you will find copies of the church bylaws, personnel policies, board minutes, Sally Wheeler’s approved maternity leave, and other relevant documentation.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY.

9 AM TOPS in the multipurpose room.

10 AM Inactive Member Committee in the conference room.

1 PM Men's Emmaus Reunion Group in room 109

5:15 PM WWNF meal in the Fellowship Hall.

6 PM WWNF Chapel in the chapel.

6:30 PM Assorted children and youth activities.

6:30 PM Bible Study on the Seven Last Words in the Fellowship Hall.

6:30 PM “How To” Poker at WWNF at 6:30 in the Multipurpose Room

-Tables for beginners and pros

-Just playing for fun and fellowship - bring poker sets if you have them!

6:30 PM Chancel Choir rehearsal in the choir room.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY.

Mark_6:45-52

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 24

2012-01-24T09:36:00.001-06:00

O God to Whom we pray,

Scripture tells us You know our prayers even before our lips utter the words. Prayer is a central discipline of our faith. We are called to pray out of the depths of our sorrow and out of the heights of our joy. Forgive us, Loving God, when we fail to pause and pray. We know that prayer does not change you, but it does change us. Sometimes in our despair we feel our prayers are heard only by the wind. Then as we look back, we see and understand that you have been, are now, and always will be with us. We give you thanks. In the name of Jesus we pray. AMEN.

________

Neta Smith had successful back surgery yesterday and will be in St. Mary’s a day or two.

Vera Sue Bunch asked us to pray for Jean Lisi, Frank’s sister. She is not doing well at all.

Please continue to pray for Bert Sims and Randy Conrady.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

Noon Noon Bible Study in the library

3:15 PM Greenbriar Worship Service

6:30 PM CWF Dorcus group (the new group for young women)

6:30 PM Meeting at St. Francis Church about a new homeless shelter. See e-mail below.

“YES!! We’re actually going to have a meeting to discuss/explore the possibility of establishing a Homeless Shelter in Enid!! And EVERYONE and ANYONE who’s interested is invited! Time: Tuesday, 24 Jan (TOMORROW) at 6:30 pm. Location: Franciscan Room at St Francis (come in the back door from the back parking lot – there will be ushers there to direct you). Other pertinent info: The “bigwigs” from the Catholic Charities in OKC are coming up to Enid to meet w/ any and all of the local folks who are interested in this concept – feel free to invite any and all you think might be interested. God bless-

Howard Deunk, Enid Ministerial Alliance secretary”

7 PM Quilt Central meets in the Quilt Central room upstairs in the education wing.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_6:30-44

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 23

2012-01-23T08:39:00.001-06:00

Sustaining God,

So often, O Lord, our actions have unintended consequences. We want to do the right thing. We seek to do the right thing, but many times we don't think through what we are doing. Forgive our shortsightedness, we pray. Give us the strength, loving God, to meet the challenges of each day. Give us the wisdom, Hopeful Presence, to see beyond the immediate situation. May we strive for that time when love and peace prevail and when we have a clear understanding of your claim on our lives. May Your forgiveness abound in our midst as we forgive others. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.

__________________

Neta Smith is undergoing back surgery this morning at St. Mary's. She will be hospitalized a day or two and may spend a few days in rehab. Please pray for Neta.

Please also continue to pray for Bert Sims, Randy Conrady, Bertie Krausse, Clo Rine, June Frei, and Kay Allison's mother.

Leadership Training School is February 4 at First Christian Church in Oklahoma City. A schedule of classes can be picked up at the Welcome Center. There are some great classes. I would really like for a number of our members, particularly Elders, to attend.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the Central Christian Church 2011 in Review. This is also available at the Welcome Center.

Audio versions of all three of the sermons in the “Talking Faith” sermon series are available at our website, www.centralenid.org . The link is on the left side of the homepage. A printed transcript of the second sermon, “Talking Faith: How Do We Know God?” Is also available at the Welcome Center.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10 AM Staff meeting in the conference room

Noon Monday Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

6:30 PM Faith Leader Study in room 109

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_6:14-29

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 22

2012-01-22T06:49:00.001-06:00

O God of Manifold Blessings,

Another Lord’s Day is here. This is the day You have made and it is special because we are called together as a community of faith to bring our worship to You. We are unworthy, yet you love us. We are redeemed by your grace. May we honor You with our presence, our prayers, and our collective praise. May we further honor you by sharing our faith with others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN

__________________

Please continue to pray for Bert Sims while he continues to be hospitalized.

Please continue to pray for June Frei who is recovering from a blockage and back issues.

Please pray for Bertie Krausse who is recovering at home and Randy Conrady who is in Greenbriar.

Neta Smith is having surgery tomorrow morning. Kay Allison’s mother is gravely ill in Lubbock. Please pray for them.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8 AM Chapel service

9 AM Sunday school for all ages

10:15 AM Revive and Renew service in the chapel -Don Johnson preaching

10:15 AM Sanctuary worship

3:30 PM Youth Group

6 PM “Does God Exist?” In the Fellowship Hall

7 PM Discussion

Scripture for Today and Psalm for the Week

Mark_6:6b-13

Psalm_44:1-19

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, January 21

2012-01-21T09:06:00.001-06:00

Creating God,

We view the world through eyes of faith and see Your presence all around us. The beauty of nature is overwhelming. The mystery of life fills us with awe and we give You thanks. Forgive us, Loving God, when we take the gifts of nature for granted. May we take holy pauses in the course of this day to reflect and celebrate all the gifts of Your creation. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN

________

Bert Sims is still at St. Mary's Hospital. June Frei was hoping to be released yesterday evening, but is likely still in the hospital. Bertie Krausse was being dismissed late yesterday afternoon.

Please pray for all of our friends who are hospitalized, recovering at home, and in nursing homes.

Neta Smith will have surgery Monday morning. Please pray for Neta.

Kay Allison’s mother is gravely ill in Lubbock, Texas. Kay has gone to be with her. Please pray for Kay's mother, Colleen Freeman.

Don't forget your assignment. Please write a one paragraph response to the question “Why am I a Christian?”, and another paragraph response to the question, “Why am I a part of Central Christian Church?”. You can hand your written responses to me or e-mail them to me at johnm@centralenid.org.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

All day Lions Club District Conference

5:30 PM Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah 5:8-23 (RSV) (link wasn’t working this morning)

8 Woe to those who join house to house, who add field to field, until there is no more room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land. 9 The LORD of hosts has sworn in my hearing: "Surely many houses shall be desolate, large and beautiful houses, without inhabitant. 10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield but one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield but an ephah." 11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening till wine inflames them! 12 They have lyre and harp, timbrel and flute and wine at their feasts; but they do not regard the deeds of the LORD, or see the work of his hands. 13 Therefore my people go into exile for want of knowledge; their honored men are dying of hunger, and their multitude is parched with thirst. 14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its appetite and opened its mouth beyond measure, and the nobility of Jerusalem and her multitude go down, her throng and he who exults in her. 15 Man is bowed down, and men are brought low, and the eyes of the haughty are humbled. 16 But the LORD of hosts is exalted in justice, and the Holy God shows himself holy in righteousness. 17 Then shall the lambs graze as in their pasture, fatlings and kids shall feed among the ruins. 18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, who draw sin as with cart ropes, 19 who say: "Let him make haste, let him speed his work that we may see it; let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near, and let it come, that we may know it!" 20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! 22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, January 20

2012-01-20T08:13:00.001-06:00

O Lord our Lord,

How majestic is your name in all the earth. The heavens and earth are full of your glory. We are so grateful, O Lord, for your love, for your grace, and for the peace that comes only from you. As we approach yet another new day, may our spirits be filled with joy. May we seek to hear your claim on our lives, and may the ministries we share honor you. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Bert Sims and Bertie Krausse are still in St. Mary's Hospital. Randy Conrady continues to need our prayers. Please pray for Bert, Bertie, and Randy.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

Afternoon Lions Club District Conference in the Fellowship Hall, Sanctuary, and Chapel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_5:1-7

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 19

2012-01-19T10:52:00.001-06:00

O Lord our Lord,

Our hearts rejoice today. There is so much for which to be thankful. As we celebrate life, love, hope and peace may we express our gratitude to You in real and visible ways. May our actions toward others please you, O God. May the peace that comes only from You sustain us. May Your forgiveness live in us as we extend grace to others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________

Lana Ellis’ brother, John, was taken to the ER last night and was kept for observation. Please pray for John.

Ryan Easter’s uncle in Tulsa was killed tragically. Please pray for Ryan, his parents and his entire family.

Our church is providing a meal for the family of Jack Randles at 5:00 p.m. today in the Multi-Purpose Room. Jack is the father of Kelly Straw, one of our long time Kids Central employees. Please continue to pray for this family.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

2:00 p.m. Worship at the Commons

4:00 p.m. Cancer Support Group in the Library

5:00 p.m. Randles Family Meal in the Multi-Purpose Room

5:30 p.m. Van leaves for the NW Area Men’s Meeting in Fairview

6:30 p.m. Young Adult Bible Study in the home of Luke and Kayte Anton 3105 Forrest Ridge Place.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_2:1-17

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, January 18

2012-01-18T09:31:00.001-06:00

Lord of Life,

We come before You on bended knee, seeking Your forgiveness for our shortcomings and asking for Your blessing on today. Each day brings new opportunities to share Your love with others. Each day calls us to seek middle ground with those with whom we differ. Each day challenges us to work for the common good, in our families, in our work, and in our church. May Your spirit empower, encourage and sustain us as we seek to make the best use of this day. May others see the spirit of Christ at work within us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_________________

Myrla Powell is having out-patient eye surgery at the Surgery Center this morning. Please pray for Myrla.

Please continue to lift up Bert Sims, Bertie Krausse, Clo Rine and Randy Conrady in your prayers.

May we continue to pray for Kelly Straw, one of our long time Kids Central employees. Her father, Jack Randall died suddenly. We are providing a meal for her family on Thursday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. Kids Central employees are helping as well.

WWNF kicks off for the winter/spring session. Join us at 5:15 p.m. for supper.

There is a “retirement” party this afternoon for Ron Fisher. Ron has resigned his Sunday morning position, one that he held for over 25 years. Join is in the Conference Room at 2:00 p.m.

If you want to hear my sermons in the “Talking Faith” series you can go to our church website www.centralenid.org . Look on the left side of the page. You will see a link to the sermon series. Once that page is opened you can click on either of the two sermons that have been posted. Additional sermons will be uploaded on the afternoon of the Sundays they were delivered.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

12:00 p.m. Single Men’s Luncheon in the Fellowship Hall

2:00 p.m. Party for Ron Fisher in the Conference Room

5:00 p.m. Kids Central Board in the Conference Room

5:15 p.m. WWNF meal in the Fellowship Hall

6:00 p.m. WWNF Chapel Service in the Chapel

6:00 p.m. Youth Choir

6:00 p.m. 3 year olds through 2^nd grade do free play downstairs

6:00 p.m. Grades 3 to 5 practice bells in the Bell Choir Room

6:30 p.m. Adult classes: a Study of the Seven Last Words & a “How To” class

6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal in the Choir Room

6:45 p.m. Grades 1-5 (The Children’s Choir) rehearse and/or have a children’s fellowship using new Group Publishing material. 3 year olds through kindergarten continue their activities.

7:30 p.m. Board Meeting in the Fellowship Hall

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_1:18-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 17

2012-01-17T07:13:00.001-06:00

God of Hope,

May we look closely at the events of today and earnestly seek to see Your presence with us. May we be faithful today and make decisions based on the teachings of Jesus. May we reflect today on all our blessings, and may we honor You today with our words and deeds. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

______________

Bert Sims, Clo Rine, Bertie Krausse and Randy Conrady are all in need of our prayers.

Myrla Powell is having eye surgery tomorrow at the Surgery Center. Please pray for Myrla.

Please pray for Judi Jordan. She is facing new health challenges.

WWNF begins tomorrow night. Come and join us for food, fellowship and study.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

8:00 p.m. Single Women’s Breakfast meets at the Ramada Inn

12:00 p.m. Noon Bible study meets in the Library

5:00 p.m. Women’s Emmaus Reunion Group meets in the Library

6:00 p.m. Beta Sigma Phi – City Council—meets in Room 109

7:00 p.m. Worship Committee meets in the Parlor

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_1:1-10

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 16

2012-01-16T09:24:00.001-06:00

Spirit of God,

Descend upon our hearts this day as we open ourselves to You. We are so blessed and we give You thanks. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we reflect on the events of the civil rights movement. There were so many injustices that we accepted because we felt one segment of our population was inferior. Please forgive our complicity, O Lord. Certainly we have come a long way, but that journey is not complete. May we be agents for reconciliation and justice in the 21^st century. May we actively seek to overcome the evil of racism that still exists today. May we truly see Imago Dei, Your image, in all of those we meet. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______________

Jack Randall, Kelly Straw’s father, died quite unexpectedly this morning. Kelly has worked at Kids Central for many years. Please pray for Jack’s family.

Bertie Krausse is back in the hospital at St. Mary’s after a fall.

Clo Rine and Bert Sims are still hospitalized. Please pray for them.

WWNF will begin on Wednesday. The meal starts at 5:15 p.m.

There is a Board Meeting this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

ATTENTION MEN: The NW Area Men will meet in Fairview at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. We always have a great time. Please RSVP to Kandy by noon tomorrow (Tuesday). The vans will leave the church at 5:30 p.m.

Yesterday’s sermon in R & R was a continuation of the “Talking Faith” sermon series. You can listen to it at the church’s website www.centralenid.org

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10:00 a.m. Staff meeting in the Conference Room

12:00 p.m. Noon Prayer Service in the Chapel

5:30 p.m. Special Gifts Committee meets in the Conference Room

5:30 p.m. Girl Scouts meet in the Multi-Purpose Room

6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts meet in the Boy Scout Room

6:00 p.m. Garfield County Quilters Guild meets in the Fellowship Hall

6:30 p.m. Faith Leader class meets in Room 109

7:00 p.m. Property Committee meets in the Conference Room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Song_of_Solomon_1:1-17

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 15

2012-01-15T06:42:00.001-06:00

Lord of Life,

Each of us, at one point on our journey, has confessed Jesus as Lord. For most, it was a decision and statement made in adolescence. For some the confession was made as an adult. Help us realize our confession of faith and baptism are vitally important and are marker events, but that the faith experience does not begin or end there. We are called to live into our baptism all the days of our lives. Please forgive us when we minimize our experience of You. Forgive us, we pray, when we believe the confession and baptism are the ultimate and final acts of a faithful life. Please give us strength and courage to seek new understandings and new expressions of our faith each day. May we humble ourselves before You. May Your grace abound, and may our desire to share our faith be upmost. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________

Bert Sims is showing improvement. Clo Rine is still hospitalized. Randy Conrady is still struggling. Please pray for Bert, Clo and Randy.

WWNF begins on Wednesday.

The NW Area Men will meet in Fairview on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Kandy in the office by noon on Tuesday.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8:00 a.m. Chapel Service. Don Johnson preaching.

9:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

10:15 a.m. Traditional worship in the sanctuary. Don Johnson preaching.

10:15 a.m. Revive and Renew Service in the chapel. John McLemore preaching.

3:00 p.m. Acolyte Training in the sanctuary

3:30 p.m. Chi Rho youth group in the Youth Room

5:00 p.m. Snack Supper for youth

5:30 p.m. CYF youth group in the Youth Room

6:00 p.m. “Does God Exist?” session in the Fellowship Hall

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Ecclesiastes_2:1-13

PSALM FOR THE WEEK

Psalm_82

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, January 14

2012-01-14T08:44:00.001-06:00

Generous God,

There is fear deep within each of us. We are afraid of the unknown, of change, of the unnamed stranger, of disease, of ageing, of potential disaster. For some the fear is minimal, for others it is overwhelming. Forgive us, Loving One, when we feel we can conquer that lingering sense of foreboding using our will and summoned strength. Forgive us, Creating God, when we look for solutions to our dread outside Your love and grace. You are with us through the storms. You can calm our dismayed hearts. Help us, O Lord, to trust in You, knowing that You are greater than our fear. You are God and You carry us through the darkness into the light. Today, we confess and surrender our fear to You and rely on the strength of Your everlasting arms. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

________________

Bert Sims is not doing very well at St. Mary’s hospital. They are altering his medication and are hopeful that he improves.

Clo Rine is still hospitalized. Ila Crain has been dismissed.

Please pray for Bert, Clo and Ila.

WWNF begins on Wednesday with the meal at 5:15 p.m.

There is a Board Meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Our men will go to Fairview on Thursday. Put on your calendar and RSVP to the church office.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

5:30 p.m. Saturday Service of Communion in the Chapel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_6:1-6a

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, January 13

2012-01-13T09:29:00.001-06:00

Gracious God,

May the meditations of our heats be a witness to Your love. May our deeds exhibit the presence of Your spirit with us. May our worship glorify You, and may our devotion sustain us on the journey. Forgive us, we pray, for our lack of passion for the Gospel. Please empower us to share our stories of life with the Christ, so that others may come to accept Your embrace. This is our prayer in his name. AMEN.

____________________

JOYS AND CONCERNS

Please continue to pray for Randy Conrady, Bert Sims, Clo Rine, and Ila Crain.

Please pray for Bertie Krausse as she recuperates at home from her heart surgery.

Jason Stuever had successful carpal tunnel surgery yesterday and is recuperating at home.

We have two confidential prayer requests. Please pray for a young mother of three children who is struggling with drug addictions. Please also pray for a young man in OKC who is making incredibly poor and dangerous choices. He is now estranged from his family.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

7:00 p.m. Family Movie Night in the Central Cinema Room downstairs in the education wing.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_5:35-43

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 12

2012-01-12T06:56:00.001-06:00

Intruding God,

There are times when we think we have everything figured out. Life is consistent. We have managed to smooth out the bumps and we are comfortable. Then a Jesus’ story or a difficult event or a homeless stranger interrupts our lives. Our first response is to ignore the situation or walk by on the other side, because our “business” is more important than these distractions. Please forgive us, Creating God. May we understand that You come to us, often inconveniently. You interrupt our routine and invite us to new possibilities and new understandings. You even call us to respond in radical ways, counter to the dominant view. May we see the face of Jesus in those around us, known and unknown. May we hear the words of Jesus during the good and bad times. May we be drawn in by Your love, even when, particularly when, it interrupts our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

___________________

JOYS AND CONCERNS

Bert Sims and Clo Rine are both back at St. Mary’s hospital. May God’s healing spirit sustain them.

Ila Crain will likely be dismissed to her home today. Please pray for Ila.

Bertie Krausse is recuperating at home from her bypass surgery. We pray for increased strength each day.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The NW Area Men will gather in Fairview one week from today, January 19^th, for their bi-monthly meal and meeting. Men, mark your calendars.

The World Outreach Committee has scheduled a mission trip to Joplin during spring break. We can take 15 adults, college students and older youth. The group will drive Sunday afternoon March 19^th, work Monday through Friday, and return on Saturday March 24^th. We may try to schedule a rotating schedule for those who can’t make the entire trip. Look at your calendars and pray about your response. There is still much to do there.

You can now access the audio of last Sunday’s sermon at the church website www.centralenid.org. Look for the link on the left side of the page entitled “Sermon Series: Talking Faith”.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

10:00 a.m. NW Area Ministers will meet in the Parlor

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_5:21-34

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, January 11

2012-01-11T09:07:00.001-06:00

Amazing God,

We live in an age when the quantity and availability of date is numbing. We are inundated on every level with facts and figures. There is so much that we tune out most of it. Help us, Dear God, to understand the difference between data, information and wisdom. May we seek to discern those facts and figures that are truly important, knowing that our ultimate goal is wisdom that leads to right thoughts and actions. May we never reduce our understanding of You to numbers, theorems, or equations. May we embrace the mystery of life, love, hope, and faith. May the wisdom that comes through faith sustain us on our journey. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

____________

CONCERNS:

Please continue to pray for Ila Crain who is hospitalized as well as Gary Hula and Bertie Krause who are recovering from recent surgeries.

Jason Stuever will have out-patient carpal tunnel surgery tomorrow at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Jason.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE:

9:00 a.m. TOPS in the Multi-Purpose Room

9:45 a.m. CWF Naomi Group in Room 109

10:00 a.m. CWF Sarah Group in the Parlor

1:00 p.m. Men’s Emmaus Reunion Group in Room 109

1:30 p.m. CWF Esther/Lydia Group in the Parlor

5:15 p.m. Hospital Caller Committee in the Conference Room

6:30 p.m. Youth Group in the Youth Room

6:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal in the Choir room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY:

Mark_5:1-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 10

2012-01-10T08:07:00.001-06:00

Divine Presence,

Some of us have been in our church from a long time. Others are new on the scene and they move easily into shared mission and ministry. Other newcomers find it difficult to “plug in”. Some come with high hopes, expectation and energy, only to encounter the necessity for levels of “approval” or the phrase “we never did it that way before”. Their enthusiasm and hope quickly fade and they live on the margins or move elsewhere. Forgive us, Loving God, when we think “our way” is the only way and our response to new possibilities is unyielding. Forgive us, Giving God, when we become impatient with the status quo and demand changes. May Your spirit dwell with us. May we celebrate the wonderful tradition we have inherited, but may we also embrace the moving and flowing aspect of faith as we pass the baton to future generations. When our experience of You is static, then our faith is weak. When our experience of You is dynamic, then our faith is alive and contagious, regardless of our years. Be present to us in all consuming ways , we pray. May the fire of the Holy Spirit abound in our midst. We pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____________________

Gary Hula was dismissed from St. Mary’s yesterday and is now recovering at home. I have yet to hear about Bertie Krausse. Please continue to pray for Gary and Bertie.

Ila Crain is in St. Mary’s and will move to the skilled nursing unit, probably today. She is battling a severe infection. Please pray for Ila.

We continue to lift up Randy Conrady in our prayers. He is at Greenbriar Nursing Home. His family is seeking other opinions concerning his condition and treatment.

Will and Judie Stocks moved to Oklahoma City a few weeks ago. We received word that Will recently received a pacemaker.

Also a neighbor is facing difficult decisions about a daughter with a drug addiction who also has three children. Please offer special prayers for this family.

Remember your assignment. Please write a paragraph answering the question “Why am I a Christian” and a second paragraph answering the question “Why am I a part of Central Christian Church?” Bring or email your responses to me. I know it isn’t easy and I am not looking for flowery answers, just answers from the heart.

I really want 2012 to be the year of “Sharing our Faith”. In that regard I am doing a sermon series entitled “Talking Faith”. These sermons that I preach (in the sanctuary or R & R) are being recorded. I am repeating the link of Sunday’s sermon in this email. It is “Talking_Faith:_What_I_Need_To_Know?” .

I discovered the link works only when you view this email in your browser. To do that click on the link at the top, right side of this page. Once you are viewing the email in your browser you can then click “Talking_Faith:_What_I_Need_To_Know?” to hear the sermon. This is a way for me to share my thoughts with the entire congregation.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:35-41

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 9

2012-01-09T07:19:00.001-06:00

God of Amazing Assurances,

We are indeed blessed, O Lord, by Your love and we seek to honor You with our devotion, faith and service. Often, however, we miss the mark. We fall short. We succumb to our baser instincts and allow the desire for success, power, prestige, and always being “right” to motivate us. We beg Your forgiveness, Loving God. May we follow Jesus’ example and live our lives for others. May we seek to do more than admire Jesus. May we seek to model our lives after his and be true followers. This we pray in his name. AMEN.

_________________

Gary Hula and Bertie Krausse are both still hospitalized, yet they may be released today. Please pray for them.

Denny Krick had issues yesterday with swelling and Peg took him to the ER. Joyce Greenhaw is recovering from successful surgery and will begin radiation treatments in a few weeks as a precaution. Please pray for Denny and Joyce.

Today the Monday Noon Prayer Service will be held in the chapel.

Tonight the Guild we have their first meeting of the new year in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00 p.m. The Faith Leader Group will meet for the first time in three weeks in Room 109 at 6:30 p.m.

I began a new sermon series yesterday entitled “Talking Faith”. I have uploaded the audio of that sermon if you were in R & R or otherwise missed the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service and are interested in listening. The sermon is a little over 16 minutes long. Click on the link below to listen.

“Talking_Faith:_What_I_Need_To_Know?”

The scripture for today is Mark_4:30-34

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 8

2012-01-08T05:58:00.001-06:00

God of Overwhelming Grace,

We miss the mark. We are incomplete. Only when we recognize and confess our shortcomings are we cognizant of our need for You. Please forgive our self-centered arrogance. May we not be like the Pharisee of Jesus’ story in Luke, who prays “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ ¹³But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” O Lord, please be merciful to us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____________

Bring a friend to church today.

The elders meet at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon at the home of the Dell’s 217 Deer Run.

The “Does God Exist?” series continues at 6:00 p.m. this evening in the Fellowship Hall with a time for discussion at 7:15 p.m. for those who are interested.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:26-29

The Psalm for the week is Psalm_56

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, January 7

2012-01-07T08:29:00.001-06:00

God of Healing,

We know Your love and we feel Your Presence, but there are times when we are so concerned about what we want that we choose not to accept these realities. We subdue the wonder and sense of awe that is within us and reduce all of life to facts, figures, and measurable results. Please forgive us, Loving God. We want to be whole physically, mentally and spiritually, but to do so we must surrender our ego and hubris. Touch our hearts, we pray. May the mystery of Your presence overwhelm us, heal us, and make us whole. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

___________________

We have good news on the hospital front. Betty Munsinger talked to Bertie Krausse yesterday and Bertie might be released from the OKC Heart Hospital today. Gary Hula is continuing to improve. They want him to work hard this weekend. If everything goes well, he will be released on Monday. Please continue to pray for Bertie and Gary.

I talked to Kent Beaty yesterday. Liz’s father is struggling with the death of his wife a few months ago. Please keep them in your prayers.

The Saturday Service of Communion is back on schedule with it first service in three weeks today at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel.

Tomorrow will be a good day. The Young Adult/Seekers Class is meeting again at 9:00 a.m.

We will have a toddler dedication during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service.

I am beginning a new sermon series entitled “Talking Faith”.

The Elders will meet at 4:00 p.m. at the home of Dave and Sue Dell.

The “Does God Exist?” begins again at 6:00 p.m. with a follow-up opportunity for discussion at 7:15 p.m. Both will be in the Fellowship Hall.

Don’t forget your assignment. Please write two paragraphs, the first answering “Why Am I a Christian?”. The second answering “Why Am I a Member of Central Christian Church?”. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. Please bring your responses to church or email them to me at johnm@cantralenid.org. Thanks.

The scripture for today is Proverbs_22:1-9

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, January 6

2012-01-06T09:49:00.001-06:00

God our Heart’s Delight,

Sometimes we awake with energy, enthusiasm for the day, and optimism about life. Other times we are tired when we arise. The day seems to hold drudgery and our perspective is pessimistic. Help us to realize, Loving God, that You are there, regardless of our outlook. Your everlasting arms sustain us and we are encouraged by the promises of the faith, particularly Jesus’ promise of abundant life. Forgive us when we measure the quality of our life by days. May we see Your presence with us as we reflect over previous weeks, months and years. May we experience Your hope in our past, present and future. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________________________

Today is January 6^th, Epiphany. We reflect on the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi. It is also the day some segments of Christianity celebrate the baptism of Jesus. The season of Christmas is now over and we enter the liturgical season of Epiphany.

Carolyn and I saw Bertie Krausse yesterday evening at the Heart Hospital in OKC. She is doing remarkably well, but doesn’t know when she will be dismissed to come home.

Don Johnson is doing the funeral for Jerry Vater today and our ladies are providing a meal for the family. There is no church connection, but there are some close friendships within our congregation.

Yesterday was a long day for the McLemore’s, but a very productive one. I am know OFFICIALLY on the drug trial, taking 6 pills a day and keeping a log. I will go back to Baylor in 2 weeks, in 4 weeks, once a month for 7 months, and every 3 months after that. If I am not getting the actual drug, the oncologist said we would know fairly quickly and we will move on to something else. Naturally we hope this is the real thing. Your prayers continue to sustain us and we are very positive and optimistic.

The scripture for yesterday was Proverbs_13:1-15

The scripture for today is Proverbs_15:1-17

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 5

2012-01-05T11:01:00.001-06:00

Loving and Gracious God,

We open our hearts to You today, thanking You for all our blessings. May our lives truly be a doxology. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to see the signs of Your grace all about us. Forgive us, Lord, when our vision of Your reign is dulled by the small events of daily living. Grant us Your peace we pray, and empower us to share Your love with the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

________________

I am writing this email from the Sammons Cancer Center in Dallas. Carolyn and I left our home this morning at 4:00 a.m. I have had extensive blood work, just took the drugs and will need to do more blood work at noon. Then we are headed home. I will have to come back at two weeks and four weeks, then monthly. We are off to the races!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven’t heard from Ed Krausse since the evening of Bertie’s surgery. We plan to stop to see them on our way home today.

Gary Hula is still dealing with blood clots.

Please continue to pray for Bertie and Gary.

Ruth Weston had been hospitalized but was dismissed yesterday. Please keep Ruth in your prayers.

I will send today’s scripture tomorrow.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, January 4

2012-01-04T11:31:00.001-06:00

God of Wonders,

We pray for a spirit of hope and peace to dwell with us today. May our hearts be open. May our thoughts be of You, Loving God. May our actions bear witness to our faith and our desire to care for others. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________________________

Sorry about the delay for this email. It has been a busy morning.

Bertie Krausse had successful heart bypass surgery yesterday. She is in the Heart Hospital in OKC.

I received the following email about Gary Hula from Thom Bushman yesterday:

An update on Gary:

Melissa says:

“He is still having oxygen problems this morning, so they ran some tests. They found blood clots in his lungs and one in the leg they did surgery on. Hopefully, they can take care of that without affecting the leg. Hopefully tomorrow will be better for him!”

Please keep Gary in your prayers.

We have two committee meetings tonight. The Membership Committee meets at 5:15 p.m. in the Conference Room. The World Outreach Committee meets this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the LIBRARY (note the room change).

The scripture for today is Proverbs_9:1-6

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 3

2012-01-03T08:58:00.001-06:00

God of Forgiveness and Understanding,

We desire to be understood by others, O Lord. So often our complaint is that others don’t know who we truly are and we feel isolated. May we realize, Loving God, that it is in loving, we are loved. It is in forgiving that we are forgiven, and it is in seeking to understand others that we are understood. Forgive our foolish and self-centered ways, we pray. May our focus in 2012 be on the needs of others. May we always be those who are reaching out, just as You are always reaching out, forgiving and understanding us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_________

Bertie Krausse was at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital yesterday, prepared to have surgery, when she was told there was a change and her surgery would be today. Carolyn and I were there as well. So, Bertie is having her heart by-pass procedure at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Please pray for Bertie and Ed. He is to call me when the surgery is over.

Gary Hula is continuing to improve, but it will be a long process. Please continue to pray for Gary.

There will be a meeting of the Convergent Service Task Group of the Worship Committee tonight in Room 109 at 7pm.

The World Outreach Committee will meet tomorrow (Wednesday) at 5:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.

I received the following email:

Dear John,
I have a single parent who approached me with a need. Her hot water tank busted over the weekend. I wasn't sure if maybe you could forward this out. This is a legitimate need. Need: hot water tank (gas). She will need plumbing help, and the hot water tank. Estimate for installation: $400. Hot water tank $375. Single parent mother of 4 kids. Please email back if you can help and thank you for considering. Becky Livesay

I am always concerned when there are children involved. This mother has no connection to our church, but this is a legitimate need. If you would like to help, please call Jan with the amount and bring your check by the church. If you have plumbing skills and are willing to help, please let me know.

Don’t forget your assignment. Write two paragraphs answering these questions, “Why am I a Christian?” and “Why am I a member of Central Christian Church?”

The scripture for today is Proverbs_8:1-12,22-31

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 2

2012-01-02T09:15:00.001-06:00

Empowering God,

A new year brings new possibilities and new dreams. Help us. O Lord, to dream big dreams for our church, ones worthy of true followers of Jesus. Then empower us, Gracious God, to turn those dreams into real actions. May we exhibit our love for You in bold and creative ways. May our involvement with the marginalized encourage similar actions in others. May our care for the young and the elderly touch hearts and change lives. We are so blessed. May Your blessings flow through us to others in 2012. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____________________

Bertie Krausse is having heart bypass surgery at the Heart Hospital in OKC at 1:00 p.m. today. Please pray for Bertie.

Gary Hula is out of ICU and in a room at St. Mary’s hospital and is continuing to improve. Please pray for Gary and his family.

The church office is closed today, but we will be back to a regular schedule tomorrow.

Remember your assignment. Write a paragraph expressing why you are a Christian. Write another paragraph expressing why you are a member of Central Christian Church. We will be sharing these in worship.

The scripture for today is Proverbs_6:16-22

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 1

2012-01-01T06:44:00.001-06:00

Gracious God,

Here we are in a brand new year, with new opportunities, new dreams, new hopes, and new possibilities. May we learn from the past, Loving God, and avoid previous missteps. May we experience Your grace as we extend graces to others. May we know Your love as we seek to love. May we experience peace as we work for peace in the world. Thank you, O Lord, for all that blesses our lives. Thank you for the Christ, whose spirit transforms us and offers abundant life, now and forever. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

___________________

Gary Hula had surgery yesterday to repair his leg. Please continue to pray for the Hula family.

Please also pray for the family of the man who was killed in the collision that injured Gary.

The Wheeler family buried Elbert’s ashes in a private ceremony yesterday. Please continue to pray for Meme and her children.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

The scripture for today is Proverbs_4:1-18

The Psalm for the week is Psalm_118:1-18

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 31

2011-12-31T09:20:00.001-06:00

God of the past, present and future,

We come to You on this last day of 2011 giving thanks for the bounty of creation and Your timeless grace. Watch over us, we pray, as we venture into 2012. May our devotion to You increase. May Your peace abound. May our love for our neighbor be expressed in action. We pray for our church in the coming year, O Lord. May our witness be profound as we share and live the Good News. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________________

Gary Hula was involved in a terrible car crash on 81 highway north of Pond Creek yesterday late afternoon. The other vehicle apparently crossed the centerline. Gary attempted to evade but the collision was head on. Gary is in St. Mary’s hospital and will have surgery this morning to repair a broken femur. He is pretty beat up but doesn’t have any internal injuries. Please pray for Gary and his family. Please also pray for the family of the other driver who died at the scene.

Tomorrow we will be back to our regular Sunday morning schedule.

Have a safe celebration of the New Year.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:21-25

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, December 30

2011-12-30T07:34:00.001-06:00

Comforting God,

We cry out and You are there. Throughout history we see Your desire to live in relationship with humankind, offering forgiveness and seeking reconciliation. In Jesus parable of the prodigal we hear of the father waiting for the return of the son, running to greet him and celebrating his return. So You are to us, loving God. Forgive our misguided ways, we pray. May we turn into Your embrace. May we accept Your grace and may our lives be transformed, living as You would have us live. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

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Elbert Wheeler’s memorial service is today at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with a family luncheon following. There will be a private, family graveside to bury his ashes tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

Clarice Bentley’s funeral will be today at 2:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans. Don Johnson will preside.

Please pray for both of these families.

Joyce Greenhaw is having outpatient surgery this morning at Mercy Hospital in OKC. Please pray for Joyce.

Deloras Oringderff is recovering from her back surgery and might be released today.

Bill Brant was hospitalized again, a few days ago, in Colorado because of a fever.

Randy Conrady will be moved today from Bass Hospital to Greenbriar Nursing Home.

Please pray for Joyce, Bill and Randy.

Carolyn and I are home from Dallas. It was generally a good trip, but, as it turns out, I have to make one more trip next week to begin the drug. On the up side, the oncologist is still very positive about my prognosis.

There is no Saturday service, but we will observe our regular worship and Sunday School schedule this Sunday, January 1.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:10-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 29

2011-12-29T07:06:00.000-06:00

Intruding God,

You are so good to us. We are blessed beyond measure, even in spite of life’s turmoil. Your spirit broke into human history in the most unique way through Jesus the Christ. Break into our lives today, we pray. Sometimes we welcome Your presence. Sometimes You intrude when we are not prepared. Draw us unto Yourself, even when we are unwilling, O Lord, and push us into the world as Jesus’ disciples. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

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Elbert Wheeler’s memorial service is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Don will preside at a funeral for Clarice Bentley at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon in the chapel at Ladusau-Evans.

Please pray for both these families.

Deloras Oringderff is having surgery today.

Bill Brant was dismissed from the hospital in Colorado after his fall on the ice. He was readmitted because of a fever.

Please pray for Deloras and Bill.

Carolyn and I are in Dallas. We saw the oncologist yesterday. We enjoyed a good evening meal and a wonderful night in a nice motel thanks to the generosity of good friends. Today I have more blood work, see the oncologist again, and begin the drug trial. Of course things never go as planned. Apparently there will be a delay in getting the drug, so we will have to stay in Dallas a few hours longer than we were originally told. O well. Thank you for your continued prayers.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:1-9

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 28

2011-12-28T06:19:00.000-06:00

God of Mercy,

May we recognize Your presence with us this day. So often we compartmentalize our lives and relegate You to Sunday mornings. We pray You will forgive us, Loving God. May we experience You in all the days of our lives and may we seek to honor You with our love and with our witness. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

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Elbert Wheeler’s funeral will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Please continue to pray for Meme, Evan, Megan, Claire and their families.

Deloras Oringderff is in St. Mary’s hospital and will have back surgery tomorrow. Randy Conrady remains in Bass Hospital, Please pray for Deloras and Randy.

The scripture for today is Mark_3:31-35

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 27

2011-12-27T08:13:00.001-06:00

Merciful God,

As the end of 2011 approaches we remember and reflect on the events of this year. We have so much to celebrate and for which to be thankful. There are also those occasions, however, when we missed the mark, when we avoided doing the right thing, and when we weren’t faithful to You. Forgive us, we pray. While calendars are human constructions, a new year gives us the motivation to be better followers of Jesus. As we continue through the Christmas season into the new year, we pray for renewed strength to care for others, to share the Good news, and to be faithful witnesses in all we so and say. This is our prayer in the name of the Lord of all years, Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

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Elbert Wheeler died yesterday afternoon around 3:15 p.m. in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Meme and their children. Elbert’s funeral will probably be on Friday.

I have been informed by Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home that Clarice Bently has died and there will be either a service in the Ladusau-Evans chapel or at the graveside on Friday at 2:00 p.m.

I will share more information about both of these services as it becomes available.

Randy Conrady is the only member currently hospitalized. He is in Bass Hospital. Please lift Randy up in your prayers.

REMEMBER: there is no Church Visitor this week. We will have all our regular services next Sunday, January 1.

Carolyn and I travel to Baylor in Dallas tomorrow and will return on Thursday. Please keep us in your prayers.

The scripture for today is Mark_19b-30

Grace and peace,

John McLemore